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Office of the Registrar

Commencement

The graduation exercise at which candidates march and are formally recognized.

Graduating Seniors

Applying for Graduation

Students who expect to qualify for a degree must apply for graduation. The university recommends that students apply for candidacy the year before they plan to graduate. The application form is available at the Office of the Registrar. Remember to apply for graduation by filling out the application form, meeting with your academic advisor, and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. The deadline for the completed application form to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar is the semester prior to your final semester.

Candidates will indicate on their graduation application if they intend to march at graduation. Those who do not march will receive their degree in absentia.

For more information about graduate requirements, diplomas, scholastic recognition, etc. visit the BYUH Catalog page.

Ordering a Cap and Gown

Place cap and gown orders through the BYUH Store. Check with BYUH Store on the deadline to order the semester before the commencement ceremony you plan to participate in.

Graduating Student Employees

Students who are graduating and leaving the island on or near graduation day must stop working three days prior to graduation and complete a Request for Final Payroll Check Form. The Request for Final Payroll Check form must be submitted three days prior to graduation.

  • For those graduating and not leaving the island near graduation day, the last day of work will be graduation day. Graduating students should still submit the Request for Final Payroll Check form.
  • International student graduates may work until graduation day if they will not be leaving the island on or near graduation. Domestic graduates may legally work up to three weeks post-graduation as a student. Managers who have a need for a domestic student to extend should contact ofa.tilini@byuh.edu.

Graduation Day

Commencement Schedule

  • 7:45 am: Graduates assemble in the Aloha Center Ballroom for the academic procession.
  • 8:00 am: Cannon Activities Center doors open.
  • 9:00 am: Family and friends to be seated in the Cannon Activities Center.
  • 9:15 am: Academic procession departs from the Aloha Center.
  • 9:30 am: Commencement exercises begin.

Lei giving will follow outside the CAC at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Ceremony Instructions

Please help us support this ceremony honoring our graduates by maintaining the appropriate dignity and reverence associated with this service:

  • No signs, posters, banners, or balloons allowed inside the Cannon Activities Center.
  • No kazoos, party horns, other noisemakers, or yelling allowed.
  • Remain composed and seated throughout the ceremony.
  • Please take crying children outside.

Following the commencement ceremony, graduates will gather by faculty unit in the Aloha Plaza for lei giving and celebration.

Visitors and Guests

When visitors and guests arrive, they will enter through the west entrance of the Cannon Activities Center, facing the Aloha Plaza and Banyan Dining Hall. Tickets are not required.

Bags will be checked at the entrance.

Parking

Visitors and guests are to park in the visitor parking lot, next to the Lorenzo Snow Building. The Academic Oval road, nearest the Cannon Activities Center will be closed for driving and parking. Visit the BYUH Campus Map to view visitor parking locations.

Finding your Graduate

Coordinate a spot to meet your graduate, outside the Cannon Activities Center, after the ceremony has concluded. Once you and your graduate have exited the CAC, you may then present balloons, leis, and other appropriate celebratory items.

After Commencement Celebrations

Here’s some important information to prepare graduates and their loved ones for after the commencement ceremony.

The following are not allowed on campus:

  • Entering closed-off areas.
  • Placing mats on the ground and sidewalks.
  • Using open flame devices.
  • Inserting objects into the turf, grass, gravel, dirt, planters, and plants.
  • Hanging or attaching things such as banners and other decorative items on the trees, buildings, and rock walls.

Ways you can celebrate:

  • Invite your friends, families, and loved ones.
  • Hug your graduates!
  • Take lots of pictures!
  • Give your graduate a lei!
  • Use handheld banners and posters.